Our day followed a Thanksgiving Theme with Logic puzzles to test our convergent thinking skills and a creative thinking activity, SCAMPER, to build our divergent thinking. We also had a Thanksgiving Webquest with fun facts about turkeys, Thanksgiving related accidents, and other little known strange goings-on associated with the holiday.

We extended our algebraic thinking with a new lesson in Hands On Equations. We learned about a new legal move, "Pawn + Star=0". That allows us to make the equations simpler to solve.

We continued work on our STEM Parachute Challenge by brainstorming designs, forming groups, and deciding on one design for each group's parachute. We will be creating and testing the parachutes next class.

We learned a bit more about our "Amazing Brains" with a guided imagery tour of our brains. The kids really enjoyed the progressive relaxation activity that started our guided imagination tour. That's something we may try more of!

Because of Gifted Eligibility Testing for students not yet in Target, we will not have class on December 3rd. I'll see the kids the following week on December 10th.

Convergent Thinking:The kids continue to do very well with both the analogies and their logic puzzles. It's time to step up the challenge! Look for something different next week to challenge their logical thinking!

Novel Study:We dug in to more of Twenty-One Balloons. There was quite a bit mentioned about the previous volcanic eruption on the island of Krakatoa. Hmm...sounds like some foreshadowing maybe? We also discussed the meaning of "trapped in a diamond prison". The kids had some interesting ideas about that one!

Divergent Thinking:Our restaurant creation continued full force, as we finished up the individual restaurants and worked to complete the Town Square. I will definitely be adding some photos of this to the blog when it is completed next week.

Algebraic Thinking:We combined our mathematical thinking skills of algebraic thinking, and critical thinking to tackle an Exemplar Problem Solving Task. The kids had to use a diagram to solve a geometric situation. They got the solution correct, but were challenged to clearly explain their thinking. All did a fantastic job with this!

STEM:We worked more on our STEM Challenge today by using an interactive website: Design a Mars Parachute. The kids will be designing parachutes over the next couple of weeks and then testing and evaluating their designs. Look for the connection to our novel soon!

Convergent Thinking:We started off with a logic puzzle and an analogy. I'm really pleased with the way the kids are progressing with the analogies especially! They're showing great critical thinking skills here!

Novel Study:We read more of Twenty-One Balloons, learning all about the amazing inventions of Krakatoa's citizens. The kids commented on how futuristic some of the inventions seem, even for today! We dug into how the details really make the story come alive!

We also did a mini science lesson to investigate the power of air. The kids used air filled sandwich bags to lift various objects. Photos to come soon!

Divergent Thinking:We shared our Pumpkin Creative Problem Solving. Once again, I was taken aback by their collective creativity and divergent thinking! That is the stuff of future creative innovators!

We got started on creating paper models of our restaurants for our Town Square. I can't wait to see the finished products next week!

Algebraic Thinking:We dug back into solving tougher equations with the new element of Star (the white pawn). So far, it's just practicing with the new element. Soon we'll use it in a different way.